Outcome of Arthroscopic Synovectomy for Diffuse Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Knee in Sudanese Patients

Abstract

Background: Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (DPVNS) of the knee is a difficult tumor to eradicate, the gold standard treatment has traditionally been surgical excision with total synovectomy of the affected joint, either with an open or arthroscopic approach. In this study, we are focusing on arthroscopic surgical synovectomy.
 Objectives: Aimed to study the outcome of arthroscopic synovectomy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee in Haj Alsafi Teaching Hospital.
 Methodology: Observational retrospective hospital-based study, performed in the Orthopedic Department, 12 patients (8 males and 4 females) with the diffuse form of PVNS of the knee were enrolled in the study after qualification. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and post-surgical histo-pathological examination. All patients underwent complete synovectomy through standard anterior, medial and lateral, then medial, lateral suprapatellar and posteromedial portals. Each patient was evaluated before and after treatment and followed up for a minimum of 18 months (range: 18 – 54 months) using the Lysholm score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score.
 Results: The average age group of patients was (9–63years) with male predominance (66.7 %). Left knee more frequently affected(58.3%). None of the study participants had previous surgical history 100%. Both Lysholm and IKDC scores were significantly improved in all study participants. Regarding paired sample statistics, the mean for the score preoperatively and postoperatively was improved from 54.9 to77.9.Recurrence reported in one participant (8.3%). There was a statistical association between pre and post-operative LYSHOLM and IKDC scores and recurrence, hence p-value =0.000.
 Conclusion: Arthroscopic synovectomy is an appropriate treatment for knee DPVNS with agood clinical and functional outcome and with a low recurrence rate.